Hawaii Legislature is considering a bill SB 677, provides for the legalization of all types of online gambling except sports betting. A 29-page bill was introduced by Senator Will Espero.

In general, the Hawaii online gambling bill is not much different from the gambling legislation passed in other US states. The bill provides the launch of Hawaii Internet Lottery and Gaming Corporation (HILGC) for to monitor iGaming activities. Companies, interested in obtaining a gambling licence from the HILGC, must apply for a licence.

It is assumed that tax revenue from gambling operators will be distributed to various educational and social needs. Bill SB 677 also provides for the establishment of the age limit for admission to gambling websites — players will have to be aged 18 and older.

According to Sen. Espero, consumer protection is one of the main reasons for the bill’s introduction. He stressed that gambling on illegal websites places Hawaii residents at risk of fraud. In addition, large amounts of money that can otherwise go to Hawaii’s coffers are annually lost to such websites.

Now, online gambling is legal in only three US states — Nevada, Delaware and New Jersey.